Nory Ryan’s family has lived on Maidin Bay on the west coast of Ireland for generations, raising a pig and a few chickens, planting potatoes, getting by. Every year Nory’s father goes away on a fishing boat and returns with the rent money for the English lord who owns their cottage and fields, the English lord bent upon forcing the Irish from their land so he can tumble the cottages and clear the fields for grazing. Times are never easy on Maidin Bay, but this year, a terrible blight attacks the potatoes. No crop means starvation. Twelve-year-old Nory must summon the courage and ingenuity to find food, to find hope, to find a way to help her family survive.

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Quotes & Awards

Reviewed in Bookselling Kids' Pick of the Lists Part Two for October 2000.

Listener Opinions

by Audra Miller | 2/5/2014

" this book was really good. the first one i ever became really engrossed in. lol "

by Megan | 1/31/2014

" An emotionally challenging story, I thought it was quite a page turner. Looking forward to reading the sequel, Maggie's Door. "

by Laura Corbin | 1/26/2014

" I really liked this book as well, so much I read it in one day. I felt so much for the characters and even was hungry with them. It also made me extremely hingry for potato soup! "

by Sophia | 1/21/2014

" This book was really great! It was fun to read and I learned a lot about Ireland and the potato famine. This book is based in Ireland during the potato famine, it was really sad but super super good! I would recomend this book for kids who want to know more about the potato famine and what it was like to live there and then. 4 stars from me! ;D "

" sweet short book. Boy am I a grateful to have never gone hungry. Lots of nice Irish phrases and sentiments. Farfur! "

Amanda | 12/24/2013

" This is an underrated book! It's about a girl living in Ireland during the great potato famine. I loved it! "

Madison | 12/23/2013

" I loved this book. It is about the Great Hunger in Ireland (1845-1852.) It teachers you about history in a interesting way (historical-fiction.) I am also reading Lily's Crossing, which is about World War II. "

Nicolas | 12/22/2013

" i dont like history but you do you will like this book. "

Helen | 12/13/2013

" Boring. Slow. "

Brett | 10/25/2013

" A good book for mid-elementary school readers, Giff introduces the basics of the Irish Potato Famine without being too horrific. The writing is spare & all the more intense for it. "

Kim | 10/22/2013

" An up-close and very personal look at the devastation of the Potato Famine in Ireland. Not for the faint-hearted. "

Mercy | 10/16/2013

" Potato famine, heartbreaking. 3-1/2 stars "

Taylor | 9/28/2013

" I think this book is greaty so far!! "

Carolyn K. | 7/21/2013

" i think this is one of the best books ever.It really makes you think and I find it written nicely. "

" I just give it 5 stars. I finished this a while ago, but I never got to tell. "

Anna | 5/15/2012

" I love "Nory Ryan's Song" because it's set in Ireland and i really like Ireland!!! Nory Ryan has to deal with problems that her poor family is facing! "

Patti | 4/22/2012

" A great historical read about the Irish potato famine. Nory is a strong heroine with a great story that leaves you wanting more (and her story continues in the sequels.) "

Mackenzie | 4/9/2012

" this is a sad story that takes place in 1895. i almost cried. and i LOVE the ending! "

Michelle | 12/10/2011

" Very good historical fiction for elementary students. "

Cheryl | 9/22/2011

" Caught in the potato famine in Ireland in 1854, Nory becomes friends with an old healer who shares her knowledge. Nice writing...progression choppy in spots, fascinating information, wanted to feel more of a connection with Nory "

Breanna Argeropoulosno | 7/22/2011

" I can't find any reason someone wouldn't want to read Nory Ryan's Song. I'ts full of suspense and love for your family. Plus, Patch is just like my little brother. "

Anndee | 5/17/2011

" Listened to this one. Wow, this one was pretty intense and was set in Ireland during the Great Famine. I'm definitely having my daughter listen to this one.
"

Erin | 3/27/2011

" I read this to my children. A terrific story. Made us all grateful for the gifts we have in this life. Looking forward to finding a copy of Maggie's Door. Local library does not shelf it.
"

Missy | 3/24/2011

" At first i didn't think i would like it, but it was actually pretty good.
"

Sandi | 3/10/2011

" This book is by the same author that wrote Eleven. The story is about poor Irish potato farmers struggling to survive during harsh times. It is a good read that would be great to have in any classroom.
"

Megan | 3/4/2011

" An emotionally challenging story, I thought it was quite a page turner. Looking forward to reading the sequel, Maggie's Door.
"

Lauren | 2/13/2011

" it was good, but sad
"

Brett | 12/18/2010

" A good book for mid-elementary school readers, Giff introduces the basics of the Irish Potato Famine without being too horrific. The writing is spare & all the more intense for it.
"

Fern | 12/5/2010

" Simple but a good read even if it is sad.
"

Kimberly | 11/21/2010

" Basically a good story. Got a little dragged out in some parts. Enjoyed the reader. Will definitely read the sequel.
"

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